Kerala

New report proves false 'no ventilator' defence of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College doctors in Murugan's death

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Principal and superintendent of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College on Friday claimed in a report that there were 15 ventilators available when an injured worker was turned away on claims that there were none.

Murugan, a migrant worker from Tamil Nadu who was injured in an accident, died of medical negligence, after several hospitals in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram refused to admit him.

It is now reported that two ventilators were available in the Neurosurgery department of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College where he was brought in last.

The report follows an earlier investigation committee report of the medical college which had given a clean chit to doctors and dismissed lapses on their part. The committee’s report had said that no ventilator was available when Murugan was brought to the hospital.

The doctors in charge of the intensive care unit found that he was in a critical condition and told those accompanying him that an Ambu Bag facility could be arranged. However, those with the patient did not reply to the Ambu Bag arrangement, the report said.

It is also alleged that the health department has been delaying handing over the report to the police.

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